SAEMA – Specialist Access Engineering & Maintenance Association – is proud to announce the launch of SAEMA User Training. This is a brand new and unique way for those who work at height to be assessed on their technical understanding of the processes and equipment involved.
As a result, a greater number of engineers and operatives will be accredited as safe and competent, contributing to a safer construction industry with fewer workplace accidents.
How does SAEMA User Training work?
The SAEMA Suspended Access Systems Operative Training Course is being introduced to increase safety – and awareness of safety measures – in the industry and to standardise delivery across all members. Part 1 is a theory test that can be taken remotely, at the user’s convenience. This unique and engaging tool can be accessed securely on SAEMA’s training website (training.saema.org) via the user’s computer or device.
The theory test course gives users two opportunities to achieve the required results. The user must pass the theory test before they are certified to move to Part 2 – the practical on-site training, which has a standardised syllabus.
The system is extremely easy to use. Part 1 includes an introduction followed by eight sections for the user to complete. There are a number of short videos to watch with a series of multiple choice questions on key learning points from these videos. After each section is completed, the answers are saved so that users can come back and complete the other sections later if they wish.
Upon passing Part 1 of the test, a certificate is sent to the user as proof of their accreditation. A copy can also be sent to the employer. The user is then also issued with a virtual card which is stored on their smartphone and can be checked by Duty Holders in real time when users arrive on site for Part 2 Training.
Following successful Part 2 On Site training the virtual card will be endorsed with the site details which can also be checked in real time by Duty Holders to ensure that users are trained properly in the use the systems on site.
Why does it benefit the industry?
Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries, as reported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Any employer or person who is in charge of working at height has a legal duty to make sure their people have sufficient knowledge and experience to carry out their work safely and competently.
Until now, the task of giving operatives the required level of background knowledge and experience was widely variable. That’s why SAEMA User Training is set to advance the industry with regard to training and worker safety delivered consistently to all users by all member companies.
It removes the need for operatives to attend a classroom course; instead, they can be trained and assessed on the background knowledge of suspended access equipment anywhere that has an internet connection. The test is carefully designed to be both comprehensive and simple to use.
From January 2021 member companies will only carry out on Part 2 site training for users who have completed the Part 1 course and had their virtual card verified.
This will be followed up with a specific Duty Holder Awareness programme in 2021.
SAEMA has a long history of delivering the very best training and guidance in the temporary and permanent suspended access industry. Through its member companies, SAEMA is dedicated to maintaining and, wherever possible, advancing standards for the equipment and systems used to provide access to the façades of buildings and structures.
SAEMA User Training is the next evolution in its commitment to advancing safety through raising the standards in best practice. It is simple yet powerful, engaging yet time efficient, enabling employers and their people to gain the knowledge understanding needed to stay safe at height, with important certification from the acknowledged experts in this specialist sector.
For further information, visit https://www.saema.org/
